Integrated Amplifier
The VAC Statement 452 iQ is the most exciting new amplifier in music reproduction today. Benefitting from new circuit and layout developments, the Statement 452 attains an unprecedented jump in realism, coupled with greater flexibility and dependability.
Compared to the award-winning Statement 450, the new Statement 452 has greater headroom for unfettered musical impact, and a greater sense of body, space, and organic cohesiveness. You will hear more deeply into the recording space, catch delicate nuances in a singer’s phrasing you’ve not heard before; cymbals explode with more detail and energy, bass lines drive the music with more presence and playfulness... in short, the Statement 452 presents an absolute breakthrough in fidelity to the music.
The unconventional vertical architecture and lateral tube mounting play a large part in achieving this new sonic freedom. All relevant signal, power, and ground pathways in this hardwired amplifier are as short as possible, resulting in greatly increased resolution and dynamics. Truly, this is a ‘form follows function’ design.
The circuitry exploits VAC’s high speed parallel processing principle, with smaller parts that are willing to ‘jump’ electrically and magnetically with the music, where other amplifiers use large, musically ponderous components. There are a total of nine VAC design transformers in the Statement 452, in aggregate weighing 120 pounds, for perfect coupling combined with lightning fast speed.
The Statement 452 circuitry is fully balanced. Provision is made for accepting single-ended inputs, converting them to balanced prior to amplification. With VAC’s Musicbloc™ design, switch settings allow the amplifier to be configured for 450 watt single-channel mono operation, or as a 225 watt/channel dual mono amplifier, all without any compromise in either mode. This means you can start a system with a single Statement 452, and add another later for more power; if you have a pair of Statement 452, you can run them as monoblocks, or in dual mono for biamplification. These amplifiers can grow with you and conform to changing system demands.
For reliability and optimal sound, the Statement 452 is equipped with VAC’s patented iQ Continuous Automatic Bias System. No need for a meter or screwdriver, the iQ system is on the job every second, and will even let you know when to change the Gold Lion KT88 output tubes.
If you love music, you owe it to yourself to hear what is possible; you owe it to yourself to hear the all new VAC Statement 452! There is more music in your recordings than you know!
* The VAC iQ Intelligent Continuous Automatic Bias System is protected by U.S. patent number 8,749,310, worldwide patents pending.
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Type
Vacuum tube power amplifier
Mono/dual-mono switchable Musicbloc™ configuration
Fully balanced circuitry
Class A1 direct-coupled triode input & driver circuitryPower output
450 watts mono or 225 watt/channel dual-mono
Inputs
2 XLR, fully balanced direct, pin 2 = positive phase
2 RCA for single-ended transformer-coupled input
Tubes
8 x Gold Lion KT88
4 x TungSol 6SN7GTBControls
Power, Logo Illumination Level, Balanced/SE, Mono/Stereo
Bias control
Patented VAC iQ Continuous Automatic Bias System
Displays
VAC logo (front), VAC lightning bolt (top), eight iQ status LEDs
Voltage
Factory set for 100, 120, 220, or 230/240 volts, 50-60 Hz.
Power Cord
Detachable IEC 15A power receptacle
Fuse
Slow blow, a/k/a time delay type
Warranty
Two years parts and labor, excluding tubes (USA, see manual for full details)
Dimensions
Tower is 28.3" high x 18.25" deep x 8.75" wide, plus connectors
Base outriggers width is 12", and adds 0.5" height, plus choice of feetShipping Weight
280 lbs. in custom flight case
Origin
Designed and manufactured in the United States
The VAC iQ System is protected by U.S. patent number 8,749,310, worldwide patents pending.
*Specifications subject to change without notice.
- Reviews
“Through these VAC amps, my room evaporated, leaving an enormous space, wide, tall and deep, near the back of which appeared the 25-voice choir—and, behind them, the Aoelian-Skinner organ. When John Atkinson came to measure, I insisted he listen to this recording. He let out an involuntary "Wow!" The presence of the images and the absence of reproductive artifacts were remarkable. It's what this hobby/pursuit is all about.”
Michael Fremer - Stereophile, April 18, 2020
“What I hope to make clear was that the differences with these new amplifiers [VAC Statement 452 iQ] were not subtle. Everyone, not just me, picked up on the improvements within just a few seconds, the improvements were that apparent... stunningly apparent. Besides offering a considerably clearer view, with obviously greater resolution and transparency, there was an additional unfettered sense of openness and dimensionality to the entire soundscape. The stage was deeper, wider, and taller, and in a more realistic, dynamic manner, not in some emphasized or distorted caricature of that space. No, this was not subtle at all. And again, everyone with any previous experience with this system felt the same way, noting the difference virtually immediately! ... This system made an enormous leap forward, further advancing and expanding the limitations of what can be accomplished in the realm of electro-mechanical reconstruction of a live performance.”
Greg Weaver - EnjoyTheMusic.com report on VAC at the 2019 Capital Audio Fest
“I waited a year to hear the system again in the Potomac room and the addition of Kevin Hayes' 452iQ amps raised the performance level up 2 notches I didn't know existed.... The system improvement with the 452iQs was instantly recognizable, substantial, and amazing, congratulations on advancing the SOTA and improving our appreciation of music! ”
Kemper Holt - A/V Showrooms
“I got a little bit of time tonight to hear Kevin Hayes' new VAC Statement 452 Musicbloc amplifiers. I'm not sure I have the words yet to describe how remarkable they are. They are amazing!”
Greg Weaver - EnjoyTheMusic.com, The Absolute Sound
“I had never heard such improvement in sound that I heard in the Audio Company's room at CAF with these amps!”
Jack Roberts - The Audio Beatnik
“You set the bar with your sound! I can't wait to use VAC amps at Axpona again.”
Lou Hinkley - Daedalus Audio
“Maestro, it is we, the music-loving consumers, that offer you our sincerest thanks for having the commitment and drive to make the best even better. You were sitting beside me, and you know it didn't take more than 10 seconds for the expletives to start falling out of my mouth!”
Greg Weaver - EnjoyTheMusic.com, The Absolute Sound
“Kevin those amps took that system to a level I didn't know recorded music could go!”
Jack Roberts - The Audio Beatnik
“This is an example of how top tier gear can elevate an already excellent speaker. Leading and trailing edges were beautiful and harmonic density was enrapturing. Subtly of tone and texture was mesmerizing. Just magically musical and enjoyable.”
Dr. Matthew Clott - EnjoyTheMusic.com
“The soundstage went from heaven above and around the globe. It was clean and detailed. It was fast and beautifully toned... I used to sell million-dollar stereos, and despite what the trolls think, in luxury audio you really do get what you pay for. This system played big, beautiful, and dramatic.”
Herb Reichert - Stereophile